Research Assistant: Protein Structure and Drug Interactions in Hemophilia Treatment

Location: Copenhagen

Type: Research

Term: Semester

Introduction to the topic

Proteins are central to drug development, either as targets for drugs or as drugs themselves (biopharmaceuticals). Advanced analytical techniques are needed to characterize the complex dynamic structure and interactions of proteins. Our research group at UCPH has world-leading expertise in the use of mass spectrometry (MS) to analyze proteins, and the goal of this research project is to use MS to provide critical new information concerning the structure and interactions of two proteins involved in blood coagulation – to develop improved drugs to treat hemophilia.

Project details

In the first phase of this project, the Research Assistant will learn and gain real-world competency with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques to interrogate various aspects of protein structure, including HDX-MS, an incredibly sensitive labeling method for studying the conformation, dynamics and interactions of proteins. The second phase of the project involves collaborating with researchers at the danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk to apply MS to study the structure of two proteins, FIX and FX, two key coagulation factors that play a key role in blood coagulation. The third phase of the project involves use of HDX-MS to study the interactions between FIX and FX and bispecific antibody drugs that have been developed at Novo Nordisk to module this interaction and thereby enhance blood coagulation and treat hemophilia.

The project spans several semesters and as a Research Assistant, you will contribute to a particular phase of the project depending on when you join. Activities will include both literature studies and a lot of hands-on lab work, such as protein sample preparation and peptide mapping, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and HDX-MS – and data analysis.
You will gain in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and build practical lab skills tailored to the objectives in each phase of the project. The project represents a rare opportunity to gain experience with cutting-edge bioanalytical science and be part of an exciting research collaboration involving researchers from both university and pharmaceutical industry.

Syllabus

Coming soon

Selected relevant publications

– Trabjerg, E, Nazari, Z.E., Rand, K.D. (2018). Conformational analysis of complex protein states by hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS): Challenges and emerging solutions. Trends in Analytical Chemistry. 106: 125. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2018.06.008

– Stænder, S.H.D., Reboul, C.F., (….)., Rand, K.D, Buckle, A.M. (2025). Structure and dynamics of GAD65 in complex with an autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 2-associated autoantibody. Nature Communications. 16: 2275. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57492-4

– Trabjerg, E, Nilsen J., (…), Leitner, A., Rand, K.D. (2025). Identification of a direct interaction between the Fab domains of IgG antibodies and human FcRn upon IgG-FcRn complex formation. Communications Biology. 8:922. DOI: 10.1038/s42003-025-08252-z

Additional research application required

You will need to submit an additional research application through Student Registration in order to enroll in this course.
To submit your research application, you must already be admitted to DIS.

All research application materials must be submitted on the following dates by 23:59 Central European Time:
– November 1 for spring semester applicants
– May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your additional research application through Student Registration.
If you are not already enrolled, use this link to apply to DIS before completing a research application.

Research Assistantship FAQ

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.